3 tough moves Dodgers might have to make to re-sign Trea Turner

1. Decline Max Muncy’s Team Option

Yup, another emotional decision without a doubt. Max Muncy, despite a recent hot streak, has been abysmal in 2022, hitting just .180 with a .677 OPS, 88 OPS+, 13 homers and 40 RBI in 90 games.

But there’s a reason why! The man suffered a partially-torn UCL in the team’s final regular season game in 2021, which has more than likely resulted in his struggles. To make matters worse, his mini awakening might be halted in his tracks after he was hit in the hand by a pitch against the Twins earlier in the week. You’ve gotta be kidding.

Do the Dodgers want to pick up his $13 million team option and jump into the unknown for another full year … or might they cut their losses paying his $1.5 million buyout? There’s a less likely scenario where LA rejects both Turner’s and Muncy’s options, pays their buyouts, and then renegotiates a smaller salary for 2023. It’s possible.

But wouldn’t that not send the greatest of messages? Maybe JT and Muncy buy in and agree, allowing the Dodgers to keep two potential impact players while building out the rest of the roster to keep their premier contention window open.

Either that, or the front office might think it’s smarter to bring up guys like Vargas, James Outman, Michael Busch to save millions, potentially increase production, and prepare for the next era of Dodgers baseball.

Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes explains reason for Joey Gallo trade

Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes explained in detail why the team opted to trade for Joey Gallo at the deadline.